Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 Hunt-Plex Scope

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 Hunt-Plex combines a useful 4-12x magnification range with a clean Hunt-Plex reticle and lightweight 1-inch scope body.

Leupold gives this model a 40mm objective lens, second focal plane reticle and straightforward 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments. Therefore, the scope keeps its controls simple without adding illumination, side focus or a large external turret system.

The scope weighs approximately 13.1 ounces and measures about 12.49 inches long. As a result, it remains relatively compact despite offering a 12x upper magnification setting.

Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 Hunt-Plex Magnification

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 Hunt-Plex provides magnification from 4x to 12x.

At 4x, the optic gives the user a wider view of the surrounding area. Meanwhile, moving toward 12x brings smaller details closer.

The 3:1 zoom ratio means the upper setting provides three times the magnification of the lower setting.

Leupold lists the field of view at approximately 21.5 feet at 100 yards on 4x and 10 feet at 100 yards on 12x.

Hunt-Plex Reticle

The defining feature of this version is the Hunt-Plex reticle.

Leupold builds the Hunt-Plex around bold, tapered outer pickets with an open center and a finer central line.

The upper reticle line also tapers downward without a heavy upper picket. Therefore, more of the upper sight picture remains open.

The design gives the reticle a cleaner appearance than a dense grid-style layout.

Second Focal Plane Reticle

The Hunt-Plex sits in the second focal plane.

Therefore, the reticle remains the same apparent size while the target image changes as the user moves between 4x and 12x.

This differs from a first focal plane system, where the reticle appears to grow and shrink together with the target image.

Leupold specifically lists this model as second focal plane.

Bold Tapered Hunt-Plex Pickets

The Hunt-Plex uses bold tapered pickets around the main aiming area.

These thicker outer sections make the reticle easier to see against changing backgrounds.

Meanwhile, the central area becomes finer.

As a result, the reticle combines easy-to-see outer references with a cleaner center.

Fine Center Reticle

Leupold keeps the central portion of the Hunt-Plex relatively fine.

This prevents the center from covering too much of the viewed image.

In addition, the open center keeps the sight picture less crowded than a detailed grid reticle.

That makes the Hunt-Plex visually distinct from many of the MOA and MIL reticles used in other Leupold product families.

1/4 MOA Adjustments

The VX-Freedom uses 1/4 MOA adjustment clicks.

Therefore, four clicks equal one full MOA.

Both elevation and windage use the same click value. This keeps the adjustment system straightforward and consistent.

80 MOA Elevation Adjustment

Leupold lists approximately 80 MOA of total elevation adjustment for this scope.

The elevation turret also provides 15 MOA of adjustment per revolution.

Therefore, keep these specifications separate:

• 1/4 MOA adjustment per click
• 15 MOA adjustment per turret revolution
• 80 MOA total elevation range

This makes the specification table much easier for visitors to understand.

80 MOA Windage Adjustment

Windage also provides approximately 80 MOA of total adjustment.

Each click equals 1/4 MOA, while one complete revolution provides approximately 15 MOA.

As a result, both elevation and windage follow the same basic adjustment pattern.

Finger-Click Turrets

The scope uses finger-click elevation and windage adjustments.

Therefore, there is no large tactical-style exposed turret system.

Leupold also gives the optic a resettable index ring, which allows the turret reference to be reset after the scope has been adjusted.

This keeps the exterior controls simple.

No ZeroLock or ZeroStop

This model does not use Leupold’s ZeroLock system.

It also does not include a revolution indicator or the ZeroStop-style systems found on several Mark 5HD and higher-level Leupold optics.

Therefore, avoid copying those features from your Mark 5HD product pages onto this VX-Freedom listing.

The VX-Freedom uses a simpler finger-click adjustment layout.

No CDS Dial

This particular Hunt-Plex model does not include Leupold’s Custom Dial System.

Leupold lists:

BDC Dial Included: No
Custom Dial System: No
Custom BDC Dial Compatible: No

That distinction matters because Leupold also sells a VX-Freedom 4-12×40 CDS Duplex, which is a different configuration.

1-Inch Maintube

The Leupold VX-Freedom 4-12×40 Hunt-Plex uses a 1-inch maintube.

Therefore, choose scope rings or a compatible mount designed for a 1-inch tube.

Do not confuse this measurement with the 40mm objective lens.

The 1-inch tube determines ring compatibility, while the 40mm figure describes the objective lens.

40mm Objective Lens

The scope uses a 40mm objective lens.

This size works naturally with the 4-12x magnification range while keeping the front housing smaller than many 50mm or 56mm optics.

Leupold lists the outside objective housing diameter at approximately 1.83 inches.

Therefore, remember that the 40mm optical measurement and exterior housing measurement describe different parts of the scope.

Fixed 150-Yard Parallax

Leupold sets this model’s parallax at approximately 150 yards.

The scope does not include adjustable side focus or an adjustable objective.

Therefore, I would enter:

Parallax: Fixed at 150 yards

into the Gunvexa specifications rather than describing it as adjustable.

No Side Focus

This VX-Freedom does not have a side-focus turret.

That keeps the center section of the scope simpler than scopes built around adjustable parallax systems.

For users comparing this product with a Mark 5HD or other higher-magnification optic, this is an important difference.

Eye Relief

Leupold lists approximately 4.9 inches of eye relief at low magnification and 3.7 inches at high magnification.

This gives the user substantial flexibility at the lower end of the magnification range.

However, final mounting position still depends on the rifle, rings and the user’s natural viewing position.

Check the sight picture at both 4x and 12x before fully tightening the mounting hardware.

Field of View

The scope provides approximately:

4x: 21.5 ft at 100 yards
12x: 10 ft at 100 yards

This change is normal because field of view becomes narrower as magnification increases.

Therefore, 4x gives a wider view while 12x gives a closer look at a smaller portion of the scene.

Non-Illuminated Hunt-Plex

The Hunt-Plex reticle is non-illuminated.

Therefore, this scope does not require a reticle battery.

It also does not include Motion Sensor Technology, electronic reticle leveling or brightness controls.

The design remains completely optical and mechanical.

No Battery Required

Because the scope has no illuminated reticle, there is no battery to replace or monitor.

The reticle remains visible through the optical system under suitable light conditions.

This helps keep the overall scope simple and reduces the number of controls on the exterior.

Leupold Advanced Optical System

Leupold builds this VX-Freedom around its Advanced Optical System.

The company describes this system as focusing on useful light transmission, glare reduction, resolution and image clarity.

In everyday wording, the optical system aims to provide a clear view as outdoor lighting changes.

That is a stronger product description than filling the page with exaggerated claims.

Scratch-Resistant Lenses

Leupold applies hardened surface coatings to the lenses for additional scratch protection.

The manufacturer states that these coatings meet demanding standards for scratch resistance.

However, careful cleaning still matters.

Use proper optical cleaning materials rather than rough cloth or household cleaners.

Lockable Eyepiece

The VX-Freedom includes a traditional lockable eyepiece.

The user can adjust the eyepiece until the reticle looks sharp and then lock the setting into position.

Once adjusted correctly, the eyepiece normally requires little additional attention.

Lightweight 13.1 oz Design

The scope weighs approximately 13.1 ounces.

That keeps it considerably lighter than many larger 30mm and 34mm variable-power scopes.

The relatively light weight also complements the simple 1-inch tube and 40mm objective configuration.

12.49-Inch Length

Leupold lists the overall scope length at approximately 12.49 inches.

The total available mounting space measures approximately 5.39 inches.

Leupold further lists:

• Front mounting space: 2.32 inches
• Rear mounting space: 1.85 inches
• Eyepiece length: 3.5 inches
• Objective section length: 3.6 inches

These measurements can help when checking the physical fit of the optic.

Waterproof Construction

Leupold lists the VX-Freedom as waterproof.

The company uses internal sealing methods to help prevent moisture from entering the optical system.

Therefore, normal changing outdoor conditions should not allow water inside a properly maintained scope.

Fogproof Design

Leupold also lists the scope as fogproof.

Its internal sealing and gas system help reduce internal fogging when temperature and elevation conditions change.

Proper storage and maintenance still matter, however.

Shockproof Construction

The VX-Freedom is also listed as shockproof.

Leupold designs the scope to handle normal recoil and impact associated with ordinary use.

Correct mounting remains important, so use a suitable 1-inch mounting system and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA

Leupold states that the VX-Freedom is designed, machined and assembled in the USA.

The company also backs its riflescopes with its lifetime guarantee.